Anand stays in the lead

Khanty Mansiysk: Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand played out a draw with Vladimir Kramnik in the fourth round, but remained in sole lead to stay in contention in the Candidates chess tournament, here, on Monday.

The Russian came up with some sterling preparation to keep the Indian at bay. With two victories from three games, Anand was in for a rude shock in the game against Kramnik, as for the first time the Indian ace found his preparation wanting here.

Kramnik was in control with black and this was the first time in four rounds that Anand’s preparation was not up to mark. His Vienna variation has been analysed extensively and Anand went for a variation which Kramnik had analysed well and better than Anand.